garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: a European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

broadly : allium

: a bulb of garlic

garlicky

ˈgär-li-kē

adjective

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, minced. a pasta dish flavored with basil and garlic

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The Naomi hand soap is known for ridding hands of garlic and onion smells. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 The discovery was made Wednesday in the Hickory Ridge area of east Charlotte, and responding officers report a man drenched in sweat tried to rub them down with garlic and bite them, according to an affidavit. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Then, of course, there’s the sandwich that started it all — the Sublime, with prosciutto, hot soppressata, burrata, fresh walnut pesto, spicy garlic aioli, sundried tomatoes and arugula. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Place the onion, tomatoes, poblanos, garlic cloves, and serranos on a baking sheet. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for garlic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English garlek, from Old English gārlēac, from gār spear + lēac leek — more at gore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of garlic was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Garlic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garlic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: a European herb related to onion and grown for its bulbs that have a strong smell and taste and are used to flavor foods

also : one of the bulbs

garlicky

-li-kē

adjective

Medical Definition

garlic

noun

gar·lic ˈgär-lik

: a European bulbous herb of the genus Allium (A. sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery

also : one of the bulbs

garlic

noun

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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garlic

noun

Examples of garlic in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing garlic

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on garlic

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